Psalms 118:13-23

13 Thou hast thrust hard at me that I might fall; but Jehovah helped me.

14 My strength and song is Jah, and he is become my salvation.

15 The voice of triumph and salvation is in the tents of the righteous: the right hand of Jehovah doeth valiantly;

16 The right hand of Jehovah is exalted, the right hand of Jehovah doeth valiantly.

17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of Jah.

18 Jah hath chastened me sore; but he hath not given me over unto death.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will enter into them; Jah will I praise.

20 This is the gate of Jehovah: the righteous shall enter therein.

21 I will give thee thanks, for thou hast answered me, and art become my salvation.

22 [The] stone which the builders rejected hath become the head of the corner:

23 This is of Jehovah; it is wonderful in our eyes.

Psalms 118:13-23 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 118

Kimchi says their Rabbins are divided about this psalm. Some understand it of David; others of the Messiah: but, with us Christians, there ought to be no doubt of its belonging to the Messiah; since our Lord has quoted a passage out of it, and applied it to himself, Ps 118:22,23; see Mt 21:42; and so has the Apostle Peter, Ac 4:11. Nor did the Jews of those times object thereunto, which doubtless they would have done, had the psalm respected any other but the Messiah; yea, the common people that attended Christ when he entered into Jerusalem, and the children in the temple, took their "hosanna" from hence, Ps 118:26; see Mt 21:9,15. It is generally thought to be written by David, after he was established in the kingdom, and had brought the ark of the Lord into the city. It concludes the great "Hallel", or hymn sung at the Jewish festivals; particularly at the feasts of tabernacle and the passover.

Footnotes

• [a]. See Ex. 15.2; Isa. 12.2. For 'Jah' see Ps. 68.4; 89.8.
• [b]. Or 'give thanks,' as vers. 21,28,29; and so Ps. 139.14.
• [c]. i.e. the corner-stone.